Small, Daily Habits that Make a Big Impact on Your Health and Wellness
Getting into an exercise routine is one of the best things you can do for your health. At the same time, many of us are so focused on the big picture that we overlook the small, everyday things we can do to live healthier in and outside our homes. Those big goals are absolutely worth working toward (especially if you’re suffering from back pain), but there are many simple, daily habits that are just as important for our overall wellness.
These are some of the top health habits that we should all work on maintaining:
Regular Checkups
You go to the doctor when you’re sick, but what about routine wellness exams? Regular checkups are just as important because they can help you prevent many health problems, and it’s important to check in with your doctors about any back pain you’re having. The same is true for maintaining good oral health and going to the dentist. Everyone should get a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. Having a good oral care routine that you keep up with daily and seeing the dentist twice a year are easy ways to prevent problems that can have a negative impact on your overall health.
Managing Mental Health
If you exercise on a regular basis, you already have one habit that’s good for your mental health. Even with this habit established, we should all focus some attention on other ways we can care for our mental and emotional wellness. For starters, it’s important to recognize symptoms of common problems like anxiety and depression, because these signs are often overlooked. Once you identify mental health concerns, you can start finding solutions to feel better.
Even if you don’t have underlying issues going on, we all have everyday habits that either help or hinder our emotional well-being. You may not even realize that you have beliefs and habits that are dragging you down. According to PsychCentral, some of these habits that can drain your happiness include all-or-nothing thinking and negative beliefs, like believing things will never get better or that you don’t have control over your life. On the flip side, there are other habits you should adopt for good mental health, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and getting enough sleep.
Take a Vacation
It’s essential for our well-being that we take some time off once in a while. If planning a vacation and the possibility of difficult travel sounds stressful, renting a vacation home in Los Angeles can be a terrific option. Not only will you save on travel costs, but you’ll be able to cook in your own kitchen which makes it easier to maintain your healthy habits. Try to find a neighborhood in Los Angeles that’s near the activities you enjoy. For instance, if you’re a beach lover and want to lounge in the sun, look for a home in Santa Monica. If you’re looking for easy access to museums, Paramount Studios, or the Staples Center, you’re best off staying in Central LA.
Tidying Up Your Home
One factor that could be negatively contributing to your overall health is clutter. If your home is unorganized and messy, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, less productivity and sleep, and increased exposure to allergens. Don’t put off getting your home back in good shape; the key is to start small, such as cleaning out your fridge or organizing your mail. Then, move on to something a little larger like the bedroom closet. While you’re decluttering, give your home a deep cleaning as well. If you’re having back pain, you may be better off hiring a cleaning service for this work; a maid service in Los Angeles will typically charge $118 - $221 per visit.
Don’t forget your entertainment center, as it’s not only the centerpiece of your living room, it can also easily look less chaotic just by mounting your television to the wall. If you can budget for it, contact a local TV-mounting service to do it properly for you. Try to complete one decluttering task per day, so that you can start to feel less stressed.
Finding Natural Solutions
Natural solutions shouldn’t replace seeing your doctor or therapist, but there are lots of natural ways we can supplement medical interventions and improve our mental and physical health, including issues with back pain. For example, many people are discovering the benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) to treat ailments like headaches, nausea, and anxiety. The great thing about CBD is that it delivers the amazing benefits of cannabinoids, which help regulate some of your body’s key systems, without the effects of becoming intoxicated. Some people who are new to trying it find that using CBD-infused gummies makes the delivery process easier. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before taking any new supplements, including CBD.
If you have anxiety, you may also benefit from switching up some other daily habits. For example, consider swapping out a caffeinated beverage like coffee for a calming tea like chamomile (you can purchase a box of organic tea on Amazon for $8.45).
Food as Fuel
You probably already know that a nutritious diet is important to your health, but you may not realize just how much your diet can impact your fitness goals and your overall wellness. It’s crucial to make sure you have the right fuel - before, during, and after your workouts. This includes eating a healthy breakfast, like one of these ideas from Prevention, and staying hydrated throughout your day.
When we’re focused on exercising and eating right, and fitting it all into a busy schedule, it’s easy to forget about the other things we should be doing. Easy, everyday health habits can be as simple as keeping a water bottle with you, and even adding a splash of lemon so you stay motivated to drink more. Start by adding one of these habits at a time until they become a way of life. When you do, these small health habits will work together to help you achieve your bigger goals.
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